Amelia
When I walked into the boardroom, it was already crowded with people. But even with all those bodies, the room felt empty. I looked around, I realized something strange no one was looking at me. Their eyes avoided mine, and their faces were tight and serious.
These were the same men and women who had watched me grow up in this company, who had seen me through every milestone. And yet now, they seemed like strangers, sitting stiffly in their chairs, folders closed, arms crossed, as if they were holding something back. There was no small talk, no friendly greetings, not even a single smile.
My father sat down beside me, his jaw tight and his shoulders stiff. It was his first board meeting in years, ever since he had retired, and I could feel the weight of the moment on him.
I hadn
